The closest theraveda temple i can find: [url]http://www.watphradhammakayalondon.co.uk/the-temple/[/url] ([url]http://www.watphradhammakayalondon.co.uk/the-temple/[/url])

Can anyone tell me about this tradition (Dhammakaya Movement) from experience etc?

Hi Arkena,

Although I haven't been there, I've heard that the Dhammakaya organisation is very controversial, so I suggest you have a look for some other Theravada centres in London and the surrounding area using the Buddhanet search facility:

It’s good to be cautious when looking for a group or sangha. There’s nothing wrong with trying out several different traditions to find one that is a good fit. They all have their pluses and minuses. Traditional Theravada puts monks on a higher level from lay practitioners. In addition women are not allowed to ordain as monks and are not considered equals -- as they are in some other Buddhist traditions.

Here's a well-balanced article on women in Buddhism by a wonderful writer -- http://thatssozen.blogspot.com/2017/05/does-feminism-have-role-in-buddhism.html (http://thatssozen.blogspot.com/2017/05/does-feminism-have-role-in-buddhism.html)

Firstly, apart from the fact that there were fully ordained women (Bhikkhunis) in the sangha of the historical Buddha, before complications arose after his death, I think its important to point out that women don't usually ordain as "monks" which was suggested in the post before this one...

Quote from: zafrogzen

women are not allowed to ordain as monks

because the term is "nuns" !

There's an article on the Alliance for Bhikkhunis website for anyone who might be interested :

Secondly, as well as in Theravada, women can't take full ordination in Tibetan Buddhism either. (However, the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, hopes to change this).

Thirdly, its wise to be cautious about Zen groups,because there have been a number of sex scandals about Zen teachers having sex with their students. (please check link below). This has also happened with a few Tibetan Buddhist teachers in the past.